Well Said

“This has been the most amazing career, and it’s because I’ve had students who come in wanting to be a good nurse, and I’ve been alongside them helping them accomplish that. It’s one of the biggest privileges you could ever have, to help someone know what to do, and then watch them go out and make a difference in someone’s life.”

“At Carolina, the culture we’ve built drives everything — trust, accountability and a shared commitment to excellence. I loved being part of this series with Carolina Performing Arts because it highlights leadership in an unexpected way — not coach to coach but leader to leader. It reinforces something we believe deeply in our program: The principles that drive championship performance are universal.”

“Carolina took a chance on me as both a scholar and a coxswain. To now represent UNC on an international stage feels deeply personal. This recognition belongs to a community that taught me that scholarship should serve something larger than yourself.”

“Most people work their whole lives for an opportunity like this, and to get to go to the Olympics as a sophomore in college kind of feels like a journalism student’s version of winning a national championship. It just doesn’t get much better than this.”

“Librarians offer guidance and expertise without barriers or judgment, and that makes Davis Library the right home for an AI studio here at Carolina. This studio is for you, especially for students who are encountering AI at a time when it will impact both how you learn and how you work as you launch your new careers. This is a space to experiment, to create and to explore generative AI responsibly with support and with trusted guidance.”

“We’ve been asked a few times why now. My answer to that is, given the scale of this opportunity, and given our responsibility to use this land, which is owned by the people of North Carolina in accordance with our historic mission, my answer is what has taken us so long to take this step? We couldn’t be more excited about getting going.”

“Supporting these organizations is just part of Carolina’s history. I think that support is how we’ve gotten to 1,000 student groups. The institution has always valued the fact that students can take what they’re acquiring from the University and put their own spin on it.”

“Argus exemplifies how the College of Arts and Sciences is leading at the intersection of AI, data and discovery. By combining a revolutionary telescope design and open access to an unprecedented volume of data, Carolina is creating a powerful platform for cutting-edge research that will transform astronomy and train the next generation of scientists. I am grateful for the leadership of Professor Law and for this generous commitment from Schmidt Sciences and Alex Gerko to help bring Argus Array to life.”

“For the first time in Carolina’s history, we are able to share these decisions earlier than ever before, which underscores our commitment to serving North Carolinians. Our focus now is helping admitted students connect with resources, events and financial aid guidance so they can see themselves at Carolina and join us in August in Chapel Hill. We are grateful to the college counselors and teachers across the state, along with our admissions team, for making this earlier decision possible.”

“The world is big and complicated, and easy-sounding answers to difficult problems usually aren’t right. Whatever your majors and minors, you’ve been trained well here to face those challenges. I am confident that all of you are going to keep learning and thinking the rest of your lives, whatever you do to make your living.”

“The ties between Japan and America, and, more specifically, between Japan and North Carolina, are extensive. More than a century of ties, decades of aligning interests and a couple years of focused relationship-building have made this visit possible, and I want to thank each of you for the role you have played in getting us here.”

“Policies and regulations will change, but values like fairness, transparency and student trust must remain constant. This is new terrain for all of us. Giving ourselves some grace as we learn together is just as important as keeping pace with technology.”

On behalf of the University, I am delighted to congratulate our newest Rhodes Scholars, Tiana Dinham, Rotimi Kukoyi and Gabrielle Moreau. They embody Carolina’s mission through their commitment to service and meaningful impact. This recognition reflects their exceptional promise and dedication to using their talents for the greater good. We are confident they will seize this opportunity and continue to make Carolina proud.”

“We’ve had so many veterans that have served in meaningful ways that are also Carolina alums. Going all the way back to even before the Civil War, the University has always had a service ethos when it comes to supporting the armed forces.”

“Some of my social work colleagues just kind of laugh, because it seems so clear from a social work perspective, that, yes, caregivers’ needs do affect the patient. But having empirical data can really help make the case for integrating caregiver interventions into clinical practice.”

“The idea is: Let’s talk about this and start creating a buzz as UNC being where the conversation is happening. AI has potential to do amazing things, and we’re going to showcase some of those. But there’s also some problems, and we’ll talk about those. This is where the conversation is happening, and especially as a school of communication, it’s important for us to take on that role.”

“More than half of the women in rural North Carolina live more than 30 minutes away from a birthing hospital. That’s more than twice the distance compared to urban areas in the state. Our new OB-GYN fellowship is a big step in the right direction to close that gap.”

“A year ago, I saw firsthand how Hurricane Helene devastated such a large portion of our state. People lost everything, and the path to recovery felt impossible. Verizon’s initial help was a blessing, but this second round of support demonstrates a level of commitment that is equally commendable. It gives people a new sense of hope and the chance to rebuild their lives and communities.”

“I’m very passionate about science communication and making sure that scientists are being trained in this new age of technology. I love that we’re making science an option for everyone.”

“You don’t always get to see what they call ‘your flowers’ while you’re alive. But folks came to save me. It’s not the ‘me’ of life. It’s the ‘we’ of life.”

“Throughout my 40 years at Carolina, the exceptional research rigor and collaborative spirit that defines the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy sets us apart. Congratulations to all the faculty, postdoctoral scholars, Ph.D. students and our entire school community!”

“I want my senior year to be driven by a sense of purpose. Working with people has given me that purpose. I tell every first-year student that it’s important to find your people. That’s what makes Carolina what it is.”

“None of us knows exactly what the future holds. But that’s the beauty of college: There is so much to learn and discover, and this University will give you the time and the space to do that.”

With the landmark hiring of Bill Belichick and the excitement surrounding Carolina football at an all-time high, we want to provide an exceptional pre-game experience that will help create lasting memories for our fans inside and outside of Kenan Stadium. ... Chapel Thrill Game Day will deliver an electric environment that brings Tar Heel fans together.”

“Being a Tar Heel means carrying forward a tradition of excellence, integrity and service. It means understanding that “Here Comes Carolina” isn’t just a fight song — it’s a declaration that wherever you go in life, you represent this University and its values.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome more than 6,000 first-year and transfer students to campus. We look forward to kicking off the academic year with them at Convocation, where we are delighted to have Tar Heel legend Tyler Hansbrough as our guest speaker. I know he will share an inspiring message and it’s going to be a fun and exciting day for these new Tar Heels.”

“We believe we are exercising our fiduciary duty in the face of significant federal and state budget uncertainty to be as prudent as we can in this regard. These are measured and thoughtful steps. ... We’ll continue to protect our mission, and, as always, throughout our 232-year history, the University will emerge from this challenge as we have in the past.”

“The School of Government at UNC-Chapel Hill has a lot of faculty who are focused on serving the state. They have expertise in a lots of different areas, and when a catastrophic event like Helene happens, we immediately pivot, and we do all hands on deck to try to figure out what the communities need, how we can bring our expertise to bear, and provide additional support in these situations.

“We’re not first responders, but our hearts are with these communities. We just try to show up for them and provide them what they need as far as law, management, public administration, support, whatever they need.”

“The Carolina Way is coming together to support each other and serve the state. The General Assembly of North Carolina ratified the Constitution and then created the University of North Carolina. And for the last 230 years, Carolina has been the most important institution, the most important pillar on which we build a better future for North Carolina’s families.

“And that’s never more true than when our state, our community, our collective family faces a crisis like the one that this area faced after Hurricane Helene. So being able to try to serve the western part of the state in our limited way, we have a lot of resources to bring to bear. That’s crucial to who we are as a university and who we are as a state.”

“We have a profound responsibility to the people of North Carolina — who have provided longstanding support to our University — to provide an exceptional education at an accessible and affordable cost. This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff and students who work together every day to prove that excellence and affordability aren’t mutually exclusive in higher education.”

“Don’t doubt yourself — Carolina is for you. There’s a pathway for everyone at this school.”

“Winning a seventh consecutive national championship is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the consistent quality of work produced by UNC Hussman students. Achievements like this are only possible with students who are talented and driven, faculty who are deeply committed to teaching and mentorship, and a staff that ensures students have the support and resources they need to excel.”

“Carolina offers everything I need to thrive. A strong academic foundation, countless opportunities and people I can count on.”

“Receiving the Covenant and having a full-ride scholarship made it where, ‘Hey, I can actually come and just be able to focus on my studies and not have to worry about how am I going to pay for food, for housing, for books.’ I can really show up and just be the best me. I didn’t feel alone anymore because I had the Carolina Covenant.”

“The University’s mission in a broad sense is to serve the people, the state of North Carolina and enhance the quality of life in as many communities as possible. This bus tour experience has allowed me to see that firsthand. It’s something that I won’t forget in all my years working at UNC.”

“As the nation’s first public university, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a fundamental and foundational debt to the people of our state, to ensure our every action is in service to their future. North Carolinians have invested in our University for generations, and in return, we work hard to improve the quality of life for our state and beyond. We have built a global powerhouse of research and learning, and we owe it to the public to share our knowledge and create a better state.”

“My challenge to you as you enter this new chapter of your life is this: Remember your roots. When you are uncertain, when you need to be reminded of those roots, come back here and walk the brick pathways. Listen to the bells and look at that tree embracing the Old Well. Remember what you learned here and let it inspire you for what’s next. Carolina will always be your home, and we can’t wait to welcome you back.”

“You’ll belong to many outstanding teams in your lives. You will make them better, through your talent and your integrity. And always and forever, you’ll be a part of this team. Our team... this is our University. The University of the people. And from the first day you stepped on this campus until your last breath, you will always have a home here.”

“Public service is central to who we are at Carolina. As the nation’s first public university, we have a responsibility, both as an institution and as individuals, to use our strengths and skills to serve others. Whether through teaching, research or service, our work must always reflect our commitment to the people of North Carolina.”

“What I’ve come to tell you is this: That child who read “Magic Tree House” books a long time ago still lives inside you. And all the magic of play, imagination, curiosity, invention, wonder and bright confidence — all that you were when you were 7 years old and learning to read — all that is still a part of you and is still available to you — and will be forever.”

“We are always proud to have our graduate and professional programs recognized for the exceptional, world-class education they provide. These rankings by U.S. News & World Report only confirm what we alrady know: Carolina’s graduate and professional programs — and the dedicated students they represent — are key to our success as a leading public research university.”

“North Carolina is the only state with a university-based institution with a mission focused on supporting and serving government officials. That’s incredibly unique, and the school is incredibly proud to serve as that beacon for the state and nation. I’ve always treasured our value of serving the state, and our adaptability through the years to support its growing and changing needs.”

“If there’s one thing our history as the nation’s oldest public university should give us, it’s the confidence to know that we can come through any sort of circumstances and emerge stronger on the other end. ... Let’s build this next chapter of this legendary university whose best days are yet to come.”